Empowering Women in Supply Chain: The Journey of Carolina Azar

In the latest installment of our Women in Supply Chain series, we caught up with Carolina Azar, Supply Chain Strategist at Moody’s. Hailing from Argentina, Azar’s career trajectory includes public finance, economic research, and global risk analysis before she took her talents to the United States. Today, she leads supply chain strategies at a global organization, mentors younger professionals, and champions women in the workplace.

My Roots: Growing Up in Argentina

SC247: Can you share a bit about your background and childhood in Argentina?

Carolina Azar: I grew up in a nurturing family in Argentina with my parents and an older sister. My upbringing was quite normal, marked by their support in exploring different opportunities. This environment fostered a sense of confidence in me; I felt empowered to take charge of my future.

SC247: What type of student were you during your early years?

CA: Surprisingly, I was not a great student in elementary school because I felt unchallenged. However, upon entering a rigorous high school that required testing for admission, I thrived. It ignited my love for learning, transforming me into an A student and giving me confidence to ask, “What’s next?”

The Significance of Internships

SC247: What came after high school for you?

CA: I pursued a college degree in finance, double-majoring in economics and finance. I took an internship at Argentina’s Ministry of Finance very seriously, learning far beyond my peers. I was proactive, observing and asking questions, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer before I graduated.

SC247: What was your key takeaway from that experience?

CA: One critical lesson was that you never know who’s paying attention. My hard work was recognized, even when I thought it might go unnoticed, reinforcing that genuine effort does matter.

A New Chapter in the U.S.

SC247: What motivated your move to the United States?

CA: I aimed to pursue further education with a master’s degree and was also captivated by the opportunity to experience different cultures and languages. This venture felt like the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

SC247: How did your time at Columbia influence your career?

CA: Columbia solidified my interests in international politics, economics, and global risk. It enabled me to transition from public finance to the private sector, ultimately leading me to Moody’s.

Leadership Through Empathy

SC247: How did your early career experiences shape your leadership style?

CA: My management style is heavily influenced by my early experiences. I am nurturing, preferring to build strong relationships within my team. Leadership should be collaborative, not transactional; knowing my team members personally fosters trust and transparency.

SC247: Have you encountered challenges as a woman in your industry?

CA: Absolutely. Many women share similar experiences. I learned to ensure my voice was heard early on, and now, I actively help others navigate challenges, using my confidence and position to support those who may not feel empowered to speak up.

The Role I Play at Moody’s

SC247: Describe your current position at Moody’s.

CA: I lead the supply chain and supply risk strategy at Moody’s, overseeing all matters related to supply chain risk management. My team is global, with my manager and direct reports in various locations, necessitating travel and consensus-driven meetings.

SC247: What do you enjoy most about your work?

CA: I love the creative aspect of transforming research and analysis into practical tools and products for our clients. This unexpected turn into product development has been deeply satisfying.

Balancing Life and Work

SC247: What does life look like outside of your professional commitments?

CA: I’m a proud mother of three—my oldest is 16 and my twins are 14. Family time, especially traveling together, is incredibly meaningful. My husband and I also prioritize one-on-one outings with our kids.

SC247: If you had a weekend all to yourself, how would you spend it?

CA: I would indulge in a cozy day at home, savoring coffee, attending yoga, reading, and enjoying long walks by the water, followed by a good movie and a bottle of wine.